M/S. PUNJAB TRACTORS LIMITED Vs. HARINDER SINGH

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The present appeal has been filed by the owner of t he offending vehicle, challenging the impugned award d ated 7.10.1999, passed by the by the learned Motor Accidents Claims Tribunal, Patiala ( in short 'the Tribunal').

(2.) Learned counsel for the appellant contends that t he learned Tribunal erred in fastening the liability u pon the appellant. He further submits that neither a specific issue wa s framed, nor any representative from the Licensing Authority was sum moned to establish the authenticity of the driving licence. In the absence thereof, the learned Tribunal erred in recording th e findings of fact. However, the driver of the offending vehicle was ha ving a valid and effective driving licence to drive the tractor at t he time of occurrence.

(3.) On the other hand, the learned counsel for respon dent No.4 - Insurance Company submits that the original licence was issued in the year 1988, which was subsequently ren ewed on 6.8.1994. The accident took place on 10.5.1996. The learned